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Charlotte Hornets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Preview, Predictions and Picks for January 5, 2025

Updated on:
Jan 5, 2025 7:03 PM
The struggling Charlotte Hornets, riding a five-game road losing streak, face a tough test on Sunday as they visit the top-ranked Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Cavaliers, boasting a stellar 30-4 record, look to extend their dominance at home, where they've won 17 of 18 games this season. Can the Hornets pull off a massive upset or will the Cavs continue their reign atop the Eastern Conference?
Charlotte Hornets vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Current Odds

CHA
CLE
Over
223.5
-101
Under
225.5
-110
CHA
+18.5
-102
CLE
-15.5
-120
CHA
ML
+18000
CLE
ML
-10000

Cleveland Cavaliers recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
1/3/25 @ Dallas Mavericks W 134-122
12/31/24 @ Los Angeles Lakers W 122-110
12/30/24 @ Golden State Warriors W 113-95
12/27/24 @ Denver Nuggets W 149-135
12/23/24 vs Utah Jazz W 124-113

Charlotte Hornets recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
1/3/25 @ Detroit Pistons L 98-94
12/30/24 vs Chicago Bulls L 115-108 OT
12/28/24 vs Oklahoma City Thunder L 106-94
12/26/24 @ Washington Wizards L 113-110
12/23/24 vs Houston Rockets L 114-101

Cleveland Cavaliers injuries

  • Sam Merrill (SG): Day-To-Day
  • Isaac Okoro (SF): Out
  • Luke Travers (G): Out

Hornets vs Cavaliers game info

Type Info
Venue Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Location Cleveland, OH
Tip-off Sun 6:00 PM

Hornets vs Cavaliers predictions

LaMelo Ball is the shining hope for the Charlotte Hornets in their upcoming clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This extraordinary point guard is expected to light up the scoreboard with around 24.6 points. But it won't just be about scoring for him; Ball's playmaking skills could also be on full display as he aims to add 6.5 assists to his night's work. Miles Bridges is another key player to watch. He's likely to dominate the boards, contributing to Charlotte's rebounding efforts with an estimated 9.0 rebounds while chipping in with 17.6 points. Meanwhile, Brandon Miller and Mark Williams also have a shot at making an impact. Will they rise to the occasion and support LaMelo in steering the Hornets away from their daunting road slide?

Across the court, the Cleveland Cavaliers aren't going to make it easy. Donovan Mitchell is the man of the hour, poised to deliver an impressive 21.6 points. His backcourt ally, Darius Garland, could be dishing out those sweet assists we all love, clocking in at around 6.6 for the game. The Cavs also have a secret weapon in Jarrett Allen, who is ready to clean up inside with a lofty 10.8 rebounds. This combo of scoring, playmaking, and rebounding spells trouble for any opponent. Evan Mobley and Caris LeVert are also expected to deliver consistent performances, giving the Cavaliers that depth teams envy. With such a well-rounded squad, Cleveland stands as the Eastern Conference’s top dog for a reason.

Now, imagining this epic showdown at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, one might be tempted to lean toward Cleveland claiming victory. Their strong home record and impressive collective might just be enough to keep them top of the Eastern Conference. With talented players like Mitchell and Garland leading the charge, it's hard to overlook the Cavs' potential to maintain their dominance. Of course, don't completely write off the Hornets, as basketball is a game of surprises, and there's always the chance of an upset. But if we're placing bets, Cleveland looks poised to hold the fort and continue their winning streak. What do you think? Will the Hornets soar against the odds, or will the Cavs' fortress prove impenetrable once again?

Cleveland Cavaliers

Charlotte Hornets

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